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Tales Of Morveria: Night with a Rogue

A (mis)adventure with the friendly neighborhood scoundrel.

By Mantrid Brizon

Part One

Pushed along the dank hall, the rogue's chains clank loudly.

“You don't need to be so rough."

“Shut up and keep moving!" The guard snaps.

His boots shuffle along the cobblestone floor of the dungeon, attracting the attention of those poor souls already confined in the town's jail. A few rise to their feet, eager to see who will be sharing their dark, musty home.

“Bero!" One man shouts.

“Hello, fellas." The rogue says with a little grin, waving a shackled hand. “It's been a while!"

“What'd you do this time, you filthy scoundrel?" Another laughs.

“Oh, the usual!"

“Alright, be quiet!" The guard growls, jamming the end of his club into Bero's back. “You best watch yourself, Bero. One more slip-up and it'll be the noose for you!"

“I'd prefer the chopping block." Bero quips.

“And use a good axe on that worthless neck?! HAH! It'd serve us better to cut firewood!"

“Ouch... That hurt my pride."

“Good, now get in that cell."

With a firm push, Bero is shoved into the filthy cell. He stumbles but manages to steady himself before he collapses onto the damp and cold floor. He looks to the bed, or what they consider a bed. Several wooden boards are formed into a frame, and are suspended from the wall with chains. At barely four cubits tall and perhaps only five hands wide, it's hardly enough for even the average person to sleep on. It also does not have any bedding, being little more than wooden planks with two raggety canvas sheets. Hopefully, it's dry.

There's a bucket in the corner, which is meant to serve as both his bathroom and his table. The stench of the cells is quite putrid, but Bero is unfortunately very familiar with it. As a second guard sets down a tin plate with two pieces of bread, what looks like cold rat meat, and a pint mug of murky water, the other kneels down and unshackles Bero's ankles, then his wrists.

“What's this?!" A surprised Bero watches as his shackles are removed.

“New law. It's considered cruel and unusual to leave someone restrained who is already in a cell."

“Really, now!" Bero chirps.

“Try not to make us regret this..." The guard sighs.

Bero cannot help but smirk. His reputation certainly precedes him. As the cell door closes and the heavy bolt clanks shut, Bero is left with his meager meal. With a heavy sigh, he collects the plate and mug of “water" and sits atop the bench. Moving the canvas sheets aside, he brings his hand to his face to smell his palm.

“Ugh... And here I am, once again..." He murmurs.

“What are you in for this time, Bero?" An unseen prisoner asks.

“As I said, the usual. I thieved from a wealthy man!" He chirps.

“At it again, eh?!"

“Ha! When will you ever learn?!"

Lifting up the bread, Bero discovers that it's stale and hard. He drops a slice atop the tin plate, only to hear a loud thunk. Rolling his eyes, he sets the food aside and leans back. Flies buzz around the rat meat, which he promptly swats away.

“Is it so wrong to want to eat a well-cooked meal? Am I evil for wanting clean water and fresh ale in my belly or a warm bed to sleep in? I don't have the skills necessary to earn such a living, so, on occasion, I find it necessary to 'find' the funds."

“And who did you 'find' them on, this time?"

“Lord Byris."

“Oh-ho!" Many prisoners chuckle. “If ever there was a man who needed robbing!"

“Yes! I would have loved to see his face when he saw his coffers empty!"

“As would I! It's a shame you're in here with us."

“For now..." Bero murmurs.

After a while, the prisoners quiet down, right around the time the guards return to bang on the bars with their clubs and shout at them. As night falls, Bero glances toward the bars of his window, which are at ground level. A mouse peeks in at him, the tiny creature looking for a way down, eager to feast upon the stale bread and meat that he's left untouched.

“You don't want this, little fellow. Not unless you're a cannable." He chuckles, approaching the window and scaring the tiny mouse away. “Alright... I believe I've languished in here long enough..."

With darkness shrouding him, Bero retrieves a tiny tool, hidden about his person in a most unsavory place. After cleaning it in the murky water, he carefully places the pick into the opening of the lock. Within a matter of moments, it pops open, the heavy bolt clanking. It's always safer to pick a lock, though in the past, in other jails, he's pulled apart the bench and used the bucket as leverage to simply lift the doors off of their hinges. As the other prisoners sleep, Bero creeps down the dark hall, only to stop when the light of a torch passes by.

A short wait later and the light disappears, but not before damaging his precious night-vision. Why must the human's senses be so much weaker than the beast folk? It would make his escape much easier. At least he has his mind, the most potent tool of all! Finding a sleeping guard at the end of the hall, Bero's eyes widen. He nearly bumped into him! Examining the man, he finds a coin purse sitting near his personal dagger. Itchy fingers inch toward the pouch only for Bero to close his eyes and shake his head, before retracting his hand. Without laying a finger on the guard, he continues his escape.

Retracing his steps, Bero enters the main halls, where small torches and waxed wicks now line the walls. He manages to find his way toward a storeroom, and after slipping inside, he pushes the hinged window open and wriggles through it, over the dew-covered grass. With the softest of thuds, he lands on the ground, smelling the sweet air of freedom.

“Heh... A Vostii of the cat-kin couldn't do better." He whispers to himself, looking back at his escape route.

Softly humming his favorite tune, Bero brushes the dust and grime from his aged tunic and trousers, then continues on his merry way, reaching the main thoroughfare and walking toward the nicer end of town. It's a modest city but a city nonetheless, and he must avoid the guard patrols, however, night watchmen are hardly a challenge for the experienced rogue. He's been doing this for more than ten years, when some of these men were still pretending to be guards and playing with sticks shaped as swords.

At three cubits and four hands tall, the thirty-year-old human with shoulder length, black hair and a neatly trimmed beard is stout, but not unhealthy, with strong arms and legs and an overall brawny appearance. Only a wash and a new set of clothes sets him apart from the nobility, whom he so frequently targets. After avoiding another night watchmen, the deceptively light-of-foot rogue sets his eyes on the local tavern. Peering inside, he sees several patrons, struggling to remain conscious as a few tavern girls clear the tables.

Some search for men to take to their bedchamber, for a modest fee. It is a trade for which most women are qualified. A particular woman catches his eye, a beautiful, buxom redhead. With a little smile curling around his lips, Bero closes his eyes and shakes his head once again.

“Focus, damn you... This is more important." He mutters to himself, looking down at his crotch.

With the beast subdued, Bero continues along the road, avoiding the occasion night watchmen, many of whom know him by sight. He makes his way toward Lord Byris' manor, a slender but towering building, one of the more recent additions to their fair city. While a Lord by title, Byris does not control the city, being merely a wealthy land baron. However, his wealth gives him considerable influence, as it often does. Recalling the moment of his previous capture, Bero is certain that this time he will be more successful.

He remembers much of the Lord's home from his earlier visit. Creeping toward a small alley made of the city's inner wall and Lord Byris' manor, Bero quietly makes his way toward the rear of the house, where the kitchen is located. Peering into a yellow-tinted window, he sees a slender but curvaceous figure standing nearby. With her back turned, a Vostii of the mouse-kin washes dishes in a cauldron of hot water. Turning her head as she places a dish atop a nearby table, Bero can see the sorrow on her face. A fine collar and golden tag reveal her status as a slave.

As she prepares another silver dish for washing, Lord Byris himself storms into the room. Bero quickly ducks to avoid being seen. The Lord immediately growls at his servant, berating her in Hitrosii, the elven language that many of the beast folk learn by nature of being raised by their parents. It is unfortunate that the beast folk of every race do not hold human intellect, and are therefore incapable of learning or communicating in any other tongue than their first; as the elves had contacted the beast folk long before humans, only the beast folk raised by mankind, without their parents' influence, know the human's language.

Slowly leaning over and peeking into the kitchen, Bero watches as Lord Byris and his servant stand with their sides facing him. The Lord snarls at the diminutive mouse girl, her head bowed in a mixture of reverence and fear.

“Yii dol'zhat viid gra'kat nu moy tseb'anii! Tii uch tu'panii?! How uch yii ra'zo'vat?! Chiis'tarat tseb'anii prav'nii!" He growls.

“Yii prot'siya. Yii tat'sii uch horosh." She whimpers, bowing her head in submission.

“Na horosh dos'achno. Po'niit ka'yiit yii ga'vrii? Tii ho'zhei'lan sur'ugel, tii chii'nat'sya il vii'seba alo yii na ku'pal mu'schi'ka ra'ba, il tii poi'mat, yii na'ko'da ro'gat tii... Na so'vo il na reb'yos!" He adds.

Hearing his threats, preventing her from access to the most natural of urges, Bero feels a twinge of sorrow. As a woman of the beast races, she, more than others, has a need to reproduce. It's not her fault that the silver is not being cleaned well. Perhaps he should supply her with polish, which Bero already knows he does not have. A thought crosses the rogue's mind. Perhaps Lord Byris knows that she cannot do a good job, and deprives her of supplies on purpose, to facilitate these taunts? With a little snarl, Bero glares at the Lord.

“It will not only be my pleasure but a duty to steal from you..." He thinks to himself.

Once Lord Byris has finished insulting his maid, he storms out of the kitchen and retires to bed. After a short pause, her head still pointed down, Bero can see her snout crinkle as she sniffles. With the back of her furry hand, the beast woman wipes a tear away. Looking closer, Bero is even more disheartened. He recognizes her! He'd met her in passing, as she purchased goods for her master. It was a most memorable encounter, one that left him feeling an unusual amount of pity.

With her collar and tag visible, she carried a special badge and a satchel, but unable to read the human's language, she became lost. Sitting with some of his compatriots at a booth which sells watered down alcohol at discount, they saw the mouse girl pass by. With a clawed hand covering her chin and mouth, her wide eyes darted about. She was visibly confused. With a satchel of coins, one man considered stealing it from her, an idea that Bero found distasteful and quickly rejected.

“She's a slave! Do you not see her collar?! What do you think will happen to her if she returns without coins or sen'kamen, and also without her master's goods?!" He snarled.

“It was just a thought."

“Well, remove it from your head. We're thieves, not bastards..."

“Since when does robbery have a limit, Bero?"

“I have no qualms about stealing from a rich man, but condemning a poor slave girl to the punishment of her master for the meager sum she's been tasked to carry is something else entirely..."

“I didn't realize you were so sentimental." Another rogue remarked.

“Every man needs a code..."

Setting his drink aside, Bero approached the dainty mouse girl. He could hear his associates fighting over who would drink his cheap ale while his was back turned. Bero couldn't help but chuckle. Clearing his throat and gaining her attention, Bero introduced himself to the Vostii in her tongue. She was grateful for someone who could help her and spoke her name. Without asking her for a single coin, he explained the layout of the city and led her directly to the shops she needed to visit. To ensure her safety, he accompanied her throughout her errands, not leaving her side until he had taken her to Lord Byris' front door.

The young, short and slender creature thanked him, and upon touching her hand to kiss it, as any gentleman would, he felt her tremble. As she excused herself and entered the manor, to prove her worth to her master, Bero could hear Lord Byris in the sitting room. He was obviously surprised. Peering through the windows, Bero saw that Lord Byris appeared to be very, very wealthy. Bero resisted the urge for two days, but couldn't hold out forever. Lord Byris himself caught him with a hand inside of a coin purse, in the study on his second floor.

Watching the maid working tirelessly, Bero cannot help but feel badly. She was such a sweet and soft-spoken woman, and despite her race's intellectual shortcomings and her status as a slave, she does not deserve such treatment. It's made worse by the fact that he hadn't seen or heard any other servants in his earlier burglary, meaning she endures her torment all alone. What a cruel man, indeed! Most come to appreciate the company of their Vostii, Korutan, Zesharii and Sabaarii slaves, finding solace in their presence. Few are openly cruel to the creatures. Some even consort with and marry them!

“I'm sorry, Leitha..." He whispers, placing a hand on the stone wall beneath the windowsill. “I wish your life was more pleasant."

Leitha's large, rounded ears twitch. Closing his eyes, he spins around and places his back to the wall, only a few steps to the side of the window. Moving away from the cauldron, Leitha peers outside, looking to and fro. After a pause, she resumes her work. Bero silently berates himself for such a rookie mistake. How could he forget the superior senses of the beast folk?! He makes his way down the alley and toward a window near the sitting room. He'd marked it as perfect for a nightly entrance, as the front door is easily seen from the street, and the home's back door enters into the kitchen, where Leitha will catch him.

However, he knows that he will likely be caught by her, regardless. She likely warned her master of the soft thumps upstairs, as Bero was looting his home. Placing a modest distance between himself and the Vostii of the mouse-kin will ensure that he can steal something of value, beforehand. Perhaps his previous kindness will earn him a supporter? With steady hands, the skilled rogue picks the lock that holds the window closed, before slowly sliding it open. Slipping through the window, he climbs over a table without touching the small vase that sits atop it. Not even his clothes brush the edges.

“Like a true professional." He thinks to himself, a proud grin on his face.

Walking softly on worn boots, Bero creeps through the sitting room and toward the stairs. He can hear the plates clank as Leitha continues to set them aside. She doesn't hear him tiptoe across the home's central hallway or inch his way up the stairs. He moves so softly, so quietly, that even when he encounters a squeaky board, he makes very little noise. It's a painfully slow process, however, and just as he makes his way into a study, he can hear shuffling downstairs.

Leitha continues her chores, unaware that directly above her, Bero has opened a desk drawer and is already rummaging through it for valuables. Finding a coin purse, Bero opens it to find it filled to the brim with zakians, the standardized currency of the many human kingdoms. All of the coins are large and gold. Lord Byris is so wealthy that he doesn't even bother to carry small gold coins or either size in silver or copper! Digging through the gold coins, Bero finds a shimmering stone. The precious glass of a familiar cube, a ruby colored sen'kamen, peers through the darkness.

Bero's eyes widen at the discovery. Closing the coin purse, he slips it into his own pouch, which was nearly empty. Continuing his search, he discovers several more valuables worth stealing, including a small sack full of copper coins, with several pieces of silver mixed in. A bottle of men's perfume finds its way into his satchel, as does a rare igniter, a tool used by the Hitrosii to start fires without striking flint and steel. With his satchel filled and his coin purse heavy, Bero decides that he's risked enough.

Creeping into the hall and down the steps, he can hear Lord Byris snoring upstairs. He must be in a deep sleep. Moving a little quicker, a board creaks. Bero doesn't slow his pace, and upon reaching the landing, he moves around the banister only to stop in his tracks. Leitha stands there, waiting for him! With arms crossed and a snarl on her face, she glares at the rogue, only to recognize him. Knowing he's been caught and half-expecting it to happen, Bero stands to his feet.

“Prii'veit, Leitha."

“Bero!" She gasps, only to cover her mouth.

Part Two

“Shh... Ohn spei'ta. Ohn ne zna'tiiya tii zdes..." Bero begins.

“Za'khei tii zdes?" She whispers, wondering why he's there.

“Vro'vat oht Byris... Yii to'zhe zdes oht tii." Bero says, reaching out and gently caressing her furry cheek.

Leitha has no idea how to respond. Why is a man she hardly knows here for her?! He first admitted to stealing from her master, so is his second claim a trick? Why then does he touch her so softly, so tenderly? Why does she like it?! Already knowing the answer, Leitha turns her big, amber eyes upward, toward her master's bedchamber. Bero takes a step closer. At three cubits and four hands tall, Bero looms over the light gray Vostii with long, silvery hair. At the three cubits and one-and-a-half hands tall, the top of her head fits snuggly beneath his chin, the edges of her large, round ears caressing his cheeks.

He turns his head down and kisses her forehead, a hand softly stroking her back. Leitha cannot help but tremble. She's never been so close to a man before, as she was purchased by her master as a youngling, right before her first bleed. Byris has never touched her and seems revolted by her very being, though he often keeps a watchful eye. Bero pulls her closer, in spite of her shivering body. Her modest breasts press against his chest as his arms ensnare her. He feels very strong! A carnal urge begins to bubble within her nethers, a very familiar sensation for the Vostii, who's starved of attention.

“Byris na horosh tii. Ohn na sazhii'vat tii." Bero continues, claiming her master to be undeserving of her.

“Yii zna'tiiya..." She whimpers and nods, her pink, fleshy tail swaying joyously from his words.

Finally, a man who seems to know her worth! Her slender arms wrap around the human's body. With her head turned, she rests an ear against his chest. She can hear his heart beating. It's a soothing sound.

“Tii uch do'brat zhen'shia" He assures her.

“Yii na yeshii zhen'shia..." She admits, her face flushing beneath her light gray fur.

Bero's eyes widen. How is she not yet a woman?! Does she mean that she is virginal?! Glancing down at her with wide eyes, she confirms his suspicions.

“D... Dyev'nos." She sheepishly speaks the word for 'virginal'.

What a rarity it is, to find a woman of the beast folk her age and still virginal! Typically, only the highly educated and expensive women raised from birth, in the Temple of the Companions, are still pure by adulthood. A sinister thought infects Bero's mind, and the beast that nearly overpowered him when he eyed the tavern girl awakens, ravenous and powerful. His manhood swells at the thought of deflowering a virgin, especially one who belongs to Lord Byris. For the life of him, Bero cannot understand why Byris wouldn't at least enjoy Leitha's flesh from time to time, but his loss is Bero's gain.

With a sinister smile spreading across his lips, he looks down at the mouse girl. The trembling mouse girl holds her gaze, staring up and into his eyes, only to be startled by a kiss. Her amber orbs widen as he presses their lips together. Gasping from shock and the fire burning within her, Bero takes the opportunity to give her even more. Her body quakes as Bero tastes her, his tongue caressing hers. What a brute! He did not ask or even hint at his intentions, as many humans are known to do, but simply took it, like a Vostii, Sabaarii or Korutan would... And she loves it!

With her eyes narrowing, her body softens and she feels herself falling against his chest. Bero holds her up, a hand reaching down to grab her taut buttocks while the other holds the back of her head so that he can continue to enjoy her mouth. He pulls away, leaving a bridge of saliva. Leitha's chest heaves as she pants, looking up at the human who holds her as if she were his.

“Tii ho'zhei'lan stahl'viit'sya zhen'shia?" He asks her.

“Zhe..." She nods before softly nuzzling the nape of his neck.

“Horosh. Yii stel'aii tii zhen'shia."

Upon hearing those words, Leitha cannot help but smile. Her lips curl around the corners of her long and broad snout. Knowing that Bero will take her virginity and make her a true woman negates all of the torment her master has put her through. She nearly squeals when Bero abruptly scoops her into his arms, but manages to remain quiet. She points a clawed hand toward the door near the base of the stairs and Bero follows her lead. Opening the door, he's shocked to find that her room is little more than a closet.

Without windows, her only light comes from many candles and a small oil lamp atop an old crate, though only a single, small candle is currently lit. She has no furniture to speak of, aside from a bed, a table made of an old crate, and a small box with the sleeve of a dress sticking out.

“Eto kii'da tii zhiit?!" He cannot help but ask.

“Zhe..." She admits, a sorrow on her face.

“Tii znii oht'sya mo'gai lu'zhai." He proclaims, looking down at her and gazing into her eyes.

They widen and become glossy with tears. Hearing him say that he would take better care of her makes her smile but also causes her heart to ache. Why can't he be her master instead? It's not fair. She leans in and kisses him, not knowing how else to respond. Their passion builds, but her eyes suddenly widen and she lets out a little cry as he plops her unceremoniously atop her bed. Thankfully, she'd made her mattress herself, and it's very well padded. In fact, it may even be nearly as comfortable as her master's bed.

“Bero!" She sits up and looks to him.

She watches her champion, who turns back and pulls the door closed. He's careful not to make a sound, as he shuts the door and fastens the small, fragile latch. She scans his features, only for her eyes to widen when she glimpes the large, phallic shape pressing firmly against the front of his trousers.

“Eto tii plo'vai?!" She gasps, pointing at the bulge on his crotch.

“Zhe." He answers, removing his belt and pouches before slowly unfastening the buttons of his trousers. “Yii plo'vai mo'gai ga'vii."

“Eto ka'zhet'sa ba'shai!" She exclaims about his impressive size.

“Zhe. Yii sto'rozh il plei'het'sya med'lei, na'ko tii vo'vat bol'eznii. Yii plo'vai uch ba'shai. Na'ko, pos'lom bol'eznii prii'hod mo'gai udol'sviiya."

She once again begins to tremble, fearful of the pain of becoming a woman. She only hopes that he's right, and that a large penis will give her much pleasure. As he drops his trousers to the floor, her amber eyes widen.

“Oooohhh..." She coos, a clawed hand reaching up to squeeze her own, modest breast through her dress. “Pra'kazii." She compliments the beauty of his manhood.

“Pa'zhi!" He chuckles as he thanks her. “Na ro'gat tii gru'dii alo va'ga'shei. Gru'dii il va'ga'shei lezhiit yii."

Her face flushes once again as he proclaims ownership over her most private body parts. With a nod of her head, she leans back while lifting off her dress. Tossing it to the side, she quietly gulps, having never been naked in front of a male before. Bero watched her with a little smile on his face, slipping off his boots and removing his tunic as the dainty mouse girl stripped. Using the only lit candle in the small room, he lights several more, allowing their glow to illuminate her lithe body. Reaching out for her, he touches her so tenderly, feeling her radiant warmth and the softness of her light grey fur.

“Pra'kazii." He says, in awe of her form.

“Pa'zhi."

Moving closer, Bero rests a knee atop the edge of her bed. Leitha shivers and looks unsure of what to do. Feeling a tinge of guilt, Bero briefly wonders if he should stop. After all, he is using Lord Bryis' virginal slave for his pleasure, as well as to cover his eventual escape. With her leg bent and falling to the side, she reveals her womanhood to him. His eyes widen once again, gazing upon the pink flesh of her nether lips. It looks so small! She would be tight for even two of his fingers! Looking down at his manhood, his smile grows even wider still.

His member takes two of his hands to cover and still leaves a portion of the head exposed, and is girthy enough that his index finger and thumb are just barely touching when he squeezes. Looking once more at Leitha's virginal loins, he knows that this will be quite a pleasurable night, indeed. Resting a hand on the kneecap of her other leg, he spreads her as he crawls up and onto her bed. He can see her shaking and hears a nervous gulp. Her breathing hastens.

“Yii tsu'gana..." She admits her fear.

“Yii zna'tiiya. Yii ni'zhii. Yii plei'het'sya med'lei." He replies, promising to be gentle and to take it slow.

They share a kiss as he lay over her. Leitha grabs onto her lover's body, as she doesn't know what else to do. She whimpers as she feels him teasing her loins, which are quite wet. The mouse girl winces as he begins to push his member against her nether lips. She can hear the soft, moist sloshing of them spreading apart as much as she feels it. She gasps and turns her eyes down, anxiously watch. He's only seconds away! With a grunt and a firm push, he takes her. She grits her teeth and squeezes his body tightly with her hands and legs. She watches in awe as he penetrates her. What a feeling!

“Rrr!"

“NnnnnnnYAAAAAHHHH!!!" She screams, his penis breaking her hymen.

A while later, Lord Byris stumbles toward a storeroom. He moves along the dark corridor, feeling his way around as his little candle is not very bright.

“Stupid wench can't do anything right... How could she forget my chamber pot? Even a Vostii isn't that dumb. Why did I ever buy her?"

He trips over the edge of a small table, which is shrouded in the darkness of his hallway. Growling in anger, Lord Byris lifts and rubs his leg, briefly hopping on one foot.

“Leitha! Leitha!!! ... Where are you?!"

Lying atop her bed, she clings to her lover and shivers in fear. Both had heard the table on the third-floor slamming against the wall, and the faint cries and thuds of her hobbled master. However, Bero has been working Leitha's womanhood for some time. They both watched as she bled, and were equally amazed as her nether lips swallowed his girthy phallus to the very base of his shaft. Though her pubic fur and his hair conceal it, she can feel his groin pressed firmly against hers. Just at a glance, she was certain that being stretched so wide would hurt, and yet within minutes she found herself in ecstasy, begging for more.

Bero was happy to comply. He's been thrusting his manhood with considerable vigor, until his large and heavy testicles plopped repeatedly against her furry buttocks. Not long after the bleeding stopped, she felt her first orgasm, and then another. Now working on her third climax, she wondered when Bero would finish, and what it would feel like to have him squirting his seed deep inside of her, where it rightfully belongs. However, upon hearing the table, she forgot all about her pleasure. Now she only worries about how long it will be before they're caught.

Bero, however, is undeterred. With one hand supporting his upper body, the other covers Leitha's mouth. Her wide eyes stare fearfully at the ceiling, but Bero keeps going. With knees embedded into her mattress, he continues to thrust away, his eyes rolling back as her loins all but crush his throbbing penis. She whimpers into his palm, as though she were trying to speak, though he's certain he doesn't want to hear whatever she has to say. He moves harder and faster, and Leitha whimpers from a combination of pleasure and fear. If he thrusts any harder, her modest headboard might begin bumping against the slanted ceiling, just beneath the steps!

“Leitha!!!!! ... Oh, that's right... The idiot only knows Hitrosii... I should've hired a human servant, instead of buying that dumb beast." Lord Byris grumbles.

The sadistic urge to berate his slave is overpowered by his desire to urinate, and rather than search for his servant, he continues down the hall.

“After this blunder, there will certainly be no mating or children in her future." He grins, chuckling to himself. “The look on her face when I tell her she will die a virgin will be sweet, indeed..."

Finding his spare chamber pot in the storeroom, Lord Byris shuffles his way back to his bedchamber, his home as silent as a tomb. Meanwhile, in Leitha's room, his slave turns her amber orbs toward her lover. Soft and fearful, she's simultaneously angry that he chose to silence her rather than stop, as she wanted to suggest, and yet finds herself aroused by his dominance. Her clawed hands squeeze his biceps as Bero continues unabated.

“Yii ko'chai'u sko'ro..." He suddenly grunts, bowing his head and shivering.

“Mmm! Mmmffhh!"

Were her mouth not covered, she would've said, “yes, please!" However, there's likely no need to tell him that. As aggressive and masculine as her lover is, she's certain that Bero has no plans on spilling his seed anywhere else but inside of her loins. A few moments later proves her to be correct. Her back arches and she whines into his hand, her legs pulling against his and her claws raking the flesh of his arms. Wincing from the pleasure as much as her scratching, Bero grunts and growls as he unleashes the torrential flow.

It's a copious amount, indeed. His climax sees him expelling one more than a half-dozen blasts of semen from his manhood. Had it been that long?! With his body weakening, Bero finds himself falling against his lover. His sweaty flesh presses against her damp fur, her entire body trembling. The formerly virginal mouse girl clings to him, her eyelids fluttering and the widest open-mouthed smile on her face. It takes all the strength he has just to hold up his body with his elbows and knees, to keep himself from crushing the dainty Vostii.

“Ooohhh, Bero... Pa'zhi!" She coos, her fleshy tail dancing happily about. “Yii zhen'shia sii'chas."

“Zhe... Tii zhen'shia sii'chas." He groans, panting for air.

Though he tries to get up, Leitha doesn't allow it. With her knees bent and ankles crossed just behind his buttocks, her spindly legs prove to be a considerable barrier, preventing him from removing himself from her loins. Her dainty arms cling to him, wrapped around his neck. Her snout nuzzles his collar bone before she kisses and licks his neck.

“Leitha..." He tries to lift himself up.

“Zhu'sa, na stahl'yat!" She pleads for him to stay.

“Yii do'zhei na tii'otkii." He replies, trying to get her to let go.

“Na! Yii nuzh'bo'vai tii!" She whines.

Hearing her claiming to need him, Bero's heart aches. Now that he's had his fill, he looks down at the slave girl only to see who she truly is. She's not merely a warm body, ready to accept his manhood and his seed, an object for his pleasure. She's a mistreated and terrified young woman, holding onto the only man who has ever given her comfort. It is then that the angel of his nature berates him for what he's done. How dare he take advantage of a poor young woman! What kind of man uses a slave for pleasure and then abandons her to her vile master?!

Unable to find the strength to fight her, Bero merely remains in place. Leitha nuzzles his face so affectionately, so lovingly, while his seed goes to work. He knows that every moment she remains on her back, her hips tilted and buttocks in the air, he could potentially give her a child. What a fool he's been! Now, with his pleasure long gone, his body becomes heavy and his eyelids slowly close. The familiar exhaustion after a powerful release becomes overwhelming.

“No, no, no! I mustn't fall asleep in Leitha's room!" He thinks to himself.

He tries and tries, but the struggle is real. Even when Leitha is finally ready to release him, he can no longer muster the strength. No matter how much he fights it, Bero cannot help himself. Slumping atop the bed and holding Leitha as though she were his new bride, Bero buries his nose in the soft, sweet-smelling fur of the nape of her neck and falls asleep.

Part Three

“Leitha! Breakfast! You know that word, don't you?!?!"

Hearing her master's anger, Leitha bolts up in bed. Startled awake, Bero finally comes to his senses and joins her, only to hastily sit up and bang his head against the slanted ceiling.

“Ow! Damn..."

“Leitha?! Did you hurt yourself?!" Lord Byris asks.

“Oh, damn..." Bero's eyes widen.

Hearing her master's footfalls, he's just down the hall. Leitha begins to tremble. Knowing that he cannot escape without being seen, Bero turns to her, grabs her chin and makes her look at him.

“Leitha, yii na kiida'zabrosh tii. Yii viir'sai. Yii bei'gai tii." He speaks softly, promising to return and free her.

Why did he say that?! What would possibly make him risk his life for the Vostii who is almost a stranger?! As her brow softens and a little smile graces her pretty face, the warmth in his heart answers those questions. Suddenly, the door flies open, the fragile latch easily breaking as Lord Byris storms inside.

“What's this?!"

“Damn!"

“You!!!" Lord Byris points a finger. “You've come back to rob me and-?! ... Did you have sex with my slave?!?!?!"

“DAMN!" Bero vaults over Leitha, taking the covers with him.

The modest, wool blanket flies off of his legs, smacking Lord Byris in the face and giving him just enough time to collect his clothes, boots, belt and pouches. Yanking the blanket from his face, Lord Byris' eyes widen in horror. Leitha sits atop her bed, nude! Near her legs and staining her mattress is a rather large reddish-brown spot with crusty white droplets mixed in. Turning his wide eyes toward Bero, he sees the rogue is equally nude.

“Why you-! I can't believe-! HOW DID-?! ... I'LL HAVE YOU ARRESTED!!!"

“DAMN!!!"

Pushing Lord Byris out of the way, he groans as he slams into the wall. Dashing down the hall and carrying his belongings in his arms, Bero bursts through the front door and into a crowded street. A small girl sees his nudity and screams, drawing attention from dozens of people.

“Stop that man!!!" Lord Byris roars, marching down the hall and toward the front door.

Bero dodges a man who tries to grab him. Most are not so brave. Few want to touch the naked rogue, least of which are the mothers, who cover their children's faces or otherwise hide them behind their bodies. Finding an alley, Bero ducks into a small outhouse. Old and rickety, two men run by, not even considering the possibility that he's hidden himself inside. Without a moment to spare, Bero pulls on his trousers and boots, attaches his belt and pouches, then pulls his tunic over his head in a matter of seconds.

As he emerges from the outhouse, he looks to and fro. Without anyone there to see him, he pulls up the hood of his tunic, which he'd sewn on himself. Entering a crowd with his hood hovering his hair and face, he casually adjusts his clothes for a proper fit as he makes his way toward another alley. He cannot fail. He never should've slept with Leitha, but he just couldn't help himself. As he walks along, his mind wanders, returning to the dainty slave girl with whom he'd spent the night.

His heart aches for her, and his promise to return runs through his head again and again. Thankfully, the law of their kingdom is very clear. Influenced by The Order, the religious group who seek unity and equality with the beast folk beneath their single, benevolent god, it prevents Lord Byris from maiming or killing his slave. It's a law that was passed nearly a century ago. Still, she lives in torment, a fate she does not deserve. He glances back just in time to witness a group of men marching toward him.

“Hey, you!" A man points a dagger at Bero.

“What's going on?"

“Someone just robbed Lord Byris!"

“Really?!" Bero gasps. “What a bastard!"

“Help us look for him!"

“Find that naked thief!" Another citizen roars.

“Yes! Let's find that naked thief!" Bero exclaims, his eyes darting from side to side as he blends in with the mob.

Hearing the commotion outside, a little girl heads for a window. She peeks over the sill, her little eyes straining to see through the haze of the unfinished, blue glass.

“I wonder what's going on outside. Do you know, mommy?!" The little girl turns to her mother.

“I don't know, sweetie. I think it best if you move away from the window."

“But mommy, I wanna see!!!"

Suddenly, a door opens and the mother and daughter both look back. A man enters their home from the rear entrance, just beyond their bedchamber.

“Finally!" Bero exclaims, pressing his back against the door and pulling back his hood.

“BERO!!!" The little girl squeals, racing toward him.

“Hello Arice!"

The little girl, barely waist height, gives Bero a firm squeeze as she throws her little body against him.

“Oh, my! Look how big you are!" He chuckles, petting her head. “You grow an inch every time I see you."

“You smell funny." She crinkles her nose as she looks up at him.

“Oh, uhm... I've been hard at work..." Bero clears his throat.

“Mm-hm..." The girl's mother narrows her eyes.

“Hi, Lucina..."

“Bero..."

Approaching the rogue, Lucina's posture and expression betrays her. It's obvious that she's suspicious of him. Given their history, even Bero cannot blame her. She leans in and sniffs the air around him, her eyes rolling as she instantly recognizes the scent of a woman's sweat and fluids.

“Hard at work, huh? ... I hope you remembered her name." Lucina sighs with disapproval.

“How do you work a person?" The little girl scratches her head.

“Go play with your doll." Lacina shoos her daughter away.

“No fair..." Arice pouts.

With her daughter in the other room, Lucina closes the door. With her hand resting upon it, she hangs her head and stares at the floor. The silence is deafening, and the tension forces Bero to act.

“Listen, Lucina, I ju-"

SMACK! Lucina whirls around and slaps him across the face! She glares with such anger, such malice, that he feels a tinge of fear.

“I'm sorry..."

“Don't you dare apologize again... My husband is dead because of you!"

“..."

“Well?!" She leans closer, awaiting his response.

“I..."

With a balled fist and her teeth gritted with anger and pain, a few tears escape her eyes.

“Mommy! Can I show Bero my dolly's new dress?!" Arice calls out through the door.

Hearing her daughter's voice erodes Lucina's strength. Her anger fades, replaced with unbridled sorrow. She collapses, falling against Bero. Lucina latches onto his tunic and squeeze, sobbing like a child.

“Mommy?!"

“You can show me your doll in a moment!" Bero speaks up. “Please, wait in the other room."

“Okay!"

Bero embraces Lucina, who cries into his chest.

“I miss him, Bero! I miss him so much!"

“I know..."

“Do you?!" She sniffles. “Do you truly understand?!"

“How could I not? He was my brother..."

“Then why did you abandon him?!?!"

“I told him it was a fool's errand. I told him I wanted no part of the robbery."

“How could you say that? You live and even thrive on thievery!" Lucina exclaims.

“But I'm not out to hurt anyone! Evark wanted to rob the North Chumaria Trading Company, and I knew that it would require bloodshed."

“He asked you to be the look-out. That's all he wanted..." She retorts.

“That was too much. I told him I wouldn't help. I told him that if he entered, if he killed that guard, that I was walking away. He didn't believe me... I begged him not to go inside, I begged them all, but they made their choice."

“And all but one was hanged for it, because you weren't there to warn them! Laito is languishing in jail. Do you think he would welcome you with smiles and open arms?! Look at what's become of us since losing Evark!"

“That's not my fault. I've tried to help you since then..."

“And I'm about to lose my home... There is only one thing I can do if my daughter and I are thrown into the streets..."

“No! You will not be a whore!"

“I have no skills, Bero! I was too poor for schooling and Evark kept me away from his work! I can't pickpocket or cheat for zakians! What am I to do?!"

“Here..."

Digging into his coin purse, Bero retrieves the satchel of gold coins and the ruby colored sen'kamen he'd stolen from Lord Byris' manor. Reaching into his satchel, he retrieves the vial of men's perfume, and hands both items to Lucina.

“Thank you." She speaks in a near whisper, humbled by her brother-in-law's generosity.

“You can sell that perfume for a tidy sum, and the pouch is already enough to sustain you for the remainder of your lives... Or..."

“Or what?"

Taking her by the hand, Bero leads Lucina to the bed she shares with her daughter. Sitting at the edge, he turns to her and looks into her eyes.

“Or you could leave."

“And go where?!"

“Zhanai. It's far away, in a better climate and with many opportunities, from what I've been told." He begins.

“From what you've been told!" She scoffs.

“That's a tidy sum; it will carry you far. You don't give yourself enough credit, Lucina. Who was the fence who sold all of Evark's 'merchandise'?"

“... Me..." She murmurs.

“And who took a trunk full of old clothes and traded it for a wagon, to bring us here?!"

“Me."

“You're a skilled merchant. You know how to turn a coin without spreading your legs and degrading yourself. You often spoke of a little shop in a market bazaar, your dream to own a business and provide for Arice, legitimately."

“That wasn't just my dream, it was our dream! Evark and I! Why do you think he wanted the gold in the North Chumaria Company's safe?!"

“Well, this isn't nearly that much, but it's more than enough. Take it... Please."

Pulling his hands away, Bero leaves her holding the pouch of gold coins and the expensive bottle of men's perfume. Opening the pouch, her eyes widen as she digs through it and quickly finds the ruby sen'kamen. Lifting her head, she sniffles as a joyous tear runs down her cheek. Resting a hand on his shoulder, she leans in and kisses his cheek. Bero embraces her, a hand tenderly petting her head.

“But you must leave, tonight."

Her eyes widen and Lucina pulls away.

“What did you do?"

“That's why you must leave..." He continues, grabbing her hand and removing it from his shoulder. “But I'd like to ask you for one favor..."

“What is it?"

“I can't tell you. Just promise me that when you buy passage at the carriage office, buy it for three, and wait for me."

“Alright... I will."

With that, Bero clears his throat and makes his way toward the door. Pulling it open, he looks around the main room, where he finds Arice playing with her doll.

“Uncle Bero! Come see her new dress!"

Bero sits with Arice and Lucina, eats a somewhat awkward dinner, helps the mother and daughter pack their things and then leaves just as the sun sets. With his hood pulled up, Bero makes his way toward Lord Byris' manor. To his horror, there are two guards standing outside!

“Damn..."

Moving around the block, Bero creeps down the alley, toward the back door of the manor. As he inches closer, he finds yet another guard! He sits in a chair, beside the back door, staring at the wall only a few feet in front of him. Bero stops in his tracks, hoping the guard hasn't heard him. A shadow emerges from the alley, moving toward the corner. Hiding behind the corner at the opposite end of the house, Bero listens as another guard, likely one of the two men who were standing beside the front door, makes his way around the manor.

“Hey, did you want some ale? I'm about to go to the tavern and pick up some-... Wake up!" The guard snarls, his boot clanking off of the other guard's armor.

“Woah!" He exclaims, falling off of his chair. “Huh?! What happened?!"

“Don't allow Lord Byris to catch you sleeping or that stingy bastard might withhold all of our pay!"

“Sorry!"

“Now, I'm going to fetch some ale, and you keep those damned eyes open! I'll bring you back some coffee..."

“I'm sorry! I will! Sorry!" The sleepy guard assures his compatriot.

With a frustrated grumble, the patrolling guard walks away, heading back the way that he came. Peaking around the corner, Bero can feel his heart racing. The guard looks to and fro, trying to stay awake. Just as he turns his head toward Bero, the rogue retreats. He sees a shadow move past the thin alley and turns to see the patrolling guard walking away, heading toward the tavern. He can hear the sleepy guard grumbling to himself, and so Bero once again peeks around the corner.

With his arms crossed, his back leaning against the chair and his chin pressing against his collar bone, Bero cannot help but grin. It's only a matter of time. He waits and waits, until the patrolling guard returns with some ale. He berates the sleepy guard for dozing off yet again, and gives him a mug of lukewarm coffee before returning to his post. The sleepy guard grumbles and returns to his previous position, as if out of pure spite.

“I hate coffee... Never needed it..." He grumbles, leaving he mug sitting in the dirt, beside his chair.

After sitting in the dirt and gazing up at the night sky, Bero hears the guard faintly snoring. Now is his chance! Creeping around the corner and toward the back door, Bero leans over to look up at the sleepy guard. His eyes are closes and a faint glimmer near his lip reveals a trickle of drool. Making haste, Bero uses his skills to pick the lock of Lord Byris' back door. It creaks ever so slightly as he pushes it open, and though the sleeping guard grumbles, it sounds as though he's talking in his sleep. Walking on the tips of his toes, Bero inches his way inside and closes the door. Leitha is nowhere to be seen. Footfalls thump on the second floor, and Bero can hear the master of the house pacing, his muffled voice seemingly talking to himself.

“Stupid Vostii whore... I can't believe this! How could she?! ... I should've known her bestial urges would see her bringing a man home! I should've known better! I should've known I couldn't torment her with celibacy forever! How dare she betray me?!?! ... I might've given her pleasure one day... She was mine... I wanted her! ... Someday..." Lord Byris first seethes and then whines like a child.

“You are a sick, confused man..." Bero whispers to himself.

Creeping down the hall, Bero finds the door to Leitha's closet of a room. It's bolted shut, a heavy padlock holding the bolt close. Using his considerable skills, he picks the lock with ease and quietly removes it. Slowly opening the bolt, he opens the door to find Leitha sitting atop her bed. With her candles and crate table and even her bedding removed, she wears only a filthy dress, as well as her collar and tag. He motions to her, but Leitha doesn't move. Why doesn't she escape?! Creeping inside, he finds out why. Though Lord Byris hasn't harmed her, she's bound and gagged, ropes on her arms and wrists tied to an iron ring now attached to the wall, above her bed.

“Tii porod'avii?!" He asks if she's been hurt.

“Mm-mm!" She shakes her head.

With a cloth stuffed into her mouth and another tied around her snout like a muzzle on a vicious dog, she whimpers and cries.

“Mii'ya bei'gai."

Using his knife, Bero cuts her ropes and then unties the cloth muzzle, before removing her collar and tag.

“Tii na nuzh'bo'vai eto."

Overcome with joy, Leitha throws her arms around Bero and clings to him so tightly. She grips him even harder than they did when in the throes of passion. He can feel her shaking like a leaf in a strong breeze, her snout nuzzling him as she kisses him again and again. A warmth builds in his chest and he cannot help but embrace her.

“Tii zdes." She quietly whimpers, a happy sniffle as she tries to hold back tears.

“Zhe. Mii'ya stahl'yat." He says, urging her to leave.

With her dainty hand in his, Bero leads Leitha out of her room and into the hall. He closes and bolts her door, even returning the padlock to its rightful place. They move quietly throughout the home, stealing absolutely nothing. Emerging from the back door, they creep past the guard and down the back alley, only to stand with confidence as Bero takes her to the center of town. There, they find Lucina and Arice, their bags and a trunk packed, and waiting for Bero.

“Who's this?! I only bought passage for three!" Lucina gasps.

“I know. This is Leitha. She's going with you. She only speaks Hitrosii."

Lucina and Leitha look between each other, thoroughly confused. Turning to Leitha, Bero places his hands on her shoulders and explains as best he can. Lucina is his sister by marriage, and she carries Lord Byris' stolen treasure. With it, she and her daughter may build a better life, and Leitha will join them. He promises that Leitha will not be a slave, even if she must wear a new collar and tags in Zhanai. Lucina is a good woman, and Arice could use another guardian. It's a difficult pill to swallow, but Leitha sees no deceit in his eyes.

Proving her goodness, Lucina is quick to take in Leitha and offer her care. She motions for her to come closer and embraces the Vostii of the mouse-kin, comforting her with kind words. Arice is intrigued by the non-human woman, as the little girl has yet to be this close to any of the beast folk. She grabs at Leitha's fleshy tail with a little hand, and as soon as she has her attention, gives her pelvis a hug. Leitha smiles and pets Arice's head. What Lucina, Arice and Leitha cannot understand, however, is why Bero is not joining them.

“I can buy another ticket. It's not too late to join us." Lucina pleads with him.

“I wish I could... But there's still one more person I need to help." He says, lifting up his coin purse, which is filled with the stolen copper and silver. “I cannot go until Laito's freed."

“Bero..." Lucina covers her face with a palm.

“You were right. Everything is my fault. It's my fault Evark's dead and it's my fault Laito is languishing in jail. I won't leave him there... I cannot bring Evark back, but I can still save another. I can do that much."

“... Alright." She sighs.

Reaching out for her daughter, who still embraces Leitha, Lucina, her daughter and the Vostii find themselves in a small group hug. Turning to Leitha, Bero leans in and kisses her on the lips, to Arice's amusement and Lucina's mild surprise.

“Yii tii'otkii, ko'da tii spo'zhnii." He says, promising to find her when he is able.

Leitha nods her head, though her frown shows her true feelings. Turning to Lucina, he kisses her on the cheek but says nothing. There's nothing more to say. Looking down at Arice, who's bottom lip quivers, he can see her fighting back the tears. Dropping down to a knee, Bero rests a hand on her shoulder and gives her a little squeeze as he looks her in the eyes.

“I promise, I will join you when I can. You be a good girl and take care of your mother."

“Okay..." She sniffles.

Rising to his feet, he takes a step back and watches as the two women and the little girl board the carriage. With a crack of the whip, the driver and the guard who sits beside him lead them into the night. Left all alone and with a heaviness in his heart, Bero grits his teeth and begins to weep.

“I'm sorry, Evark. I should've been there..." He cries into his palms. “But I tried taking care of your wife and child. I hope that was enough..."

Regaining his composure, Bero wipes his eyes and sniffles, then looks toward the road. He can no longer see nor hear the carriage. With any luck, they will arrive in Zhanai within a month, and then they can begin their new life. In the meantime, he has one more person to help... He'd better work fast. The quicker he accomplishes his mission, the quicker he can rejoin Lucina, Arice and Leitha...